The adaptation of James Joyce’s short story is staged in an Upper East Side townhouse starring Kate Burton and Boyd Gaines.

Kate Burton
Monica Simoes

Irish Repertory Theatre, Dot Dot Productions, and The American Irish Historical Society present the world premiere of The Dead, 1904, an immersive adaptation of James Joyce’s short story The Dead, beginning November 19. The show is staged in an old Upper East Side townhouse with wine and dinner included, and stars Kate Burton (Scandal, The Elephant Man) and four-time Tony winner Boyd Gaines (Gypsy, Contact).

Joyce’s story is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize-winning Irish poet Paul Muldoon and novelist Jean Hanff Korelitz, with direction by Irish Rep co-founder Ciarán O’Reilly. Performances take place over the three floors at the American Irish Historical Society Townhouse, which has been restored to period decoration. Rooms include the lobby, parlor, music room, dining room, and upstairs library.

Forty-two audiences members are invited to each performance. Performances are set to continue through January 7, 2017, with an opening night set for December 8.

The Dead has been previously adapted into a film by John Huston (The Dead, 1987) and as a Broadway musical (James Joyce’s The Dead), which won the 1999 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical. The Dead, 1904 is the first immersive adaptation.

The American Irish Historical Society is located at 991 Fifth Avenue, New York. Tickets to The Dead, 1904 are priced at $300 and include dinner and drinks, and are on sale through Irish Rep’s box office by calling (212) 727-2737 or online at irishrep.org.